FISH-NL calls for extension of 3L snow crab season

The Aurora

Published: Jul 14, 2017 at midnight

Updated: Sep 30, 2017 at 6:46 a.m.

Snow crab

The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) says a longer season is necessary for the snow crab fishery in NAFO Division 3L off eastern Newfoundland and the southern Avalon Peninsula.

The group is calling for at least an additional two weeks due to the delayed start of the season.

“Severe ice conditions set most inshore harvesters back, and they need to make up that time on the water,” FISH-NL president Ryan Cleary said in a news release Friday.

“Inshore harvesters are also experiencing slower catches because of the caplin and herring coming in over the fishing grounds, so that must be taken into account.”

The snow crab season is scheduled to close in 3L on July 31.

FISH-NL has made an official request to DFO on behalf of harvesters to extend the season.